News

Newport parking rebel councillor avoids suspension

A NEWPORT Labour councillor who failed to support his party over the free parking issue has avoided suspension, the Argus understands.

Chris Evans, a Labour councillor for Rogerstone, was believed to be facing possible disciplinary action after he abstained from a vote on car parking charges.

But Argus sources have told reporters that a motion, put to the city council Labour group at a meeting on Friday, to suspend Cllr Evans for a period of time failed to pass with a majority of councillors supporting him.

The Rogerstone member had spoken out on a Newport Labour group policy to scrap free parking in council car parks and replace it with a £1 charge for three hours at a council meeting last year.

The Argus has campaigned on the issue and more than 5,000 people signed a petition to keep car parking free.

Cllr Evans himself did not wish to comment yesterday but instead provided a statement.

He said: "The issue was discussed at the Labour group meeting on January 25, and has now been fully resolved."

Jane Mudd, secretary of the Newport Labour group, said: "Discussions within the group remain confidential. I can tell you that there was some discussion on Friday and the matter is now resolved."

Ms Mudd, who is councillor for Malpas, would not expand on the comment.

The disciplinary action is believed to have stemmed from Cllr Evans stemmed from the member abstaining from a vote on car parking at a full council meeting last year.

The motion had been moved by the opposition Conservative group leader Matthew Evans. Other Labour members voted against it.

Cllr Evans gave a speech at that meeting where he said "lip service" had been paid to his voucher system proposal that would have seen £1 parking tickets refunded if money was spent locally.

Comments (8)

It's being told how to vote by the tin pot dictator Leaders of Councils that has destroyed local government for the people. There should be no place for it in a Council. Bob Bright and co should be ashamed of themselves..

It's being told how to vote by the tin pot dictator Leaders of Councils that has destroyed local government for the people. There should be no place for it in a Council. Bob Bright and co should be ashamed of themselves..Woodgnome

This silly car park issue has gone on far too long, just pay the one pound charge if you want to shop in the town centre. The Cambrian car park is now closed anyway and you can park for free for two hours at the top of Stow Hill and walk if you are not fat and lazy.

This silly car park issue has gone on far too long, just pay the one pound charge if you want to shop in the town centre. The Cambrian car park is now closed anyway and you can park for free for two hours at the top of Stow Hill and walk if you are not fat and lazy.godobe

On the inside wrote:
You sign up for a team you play for the team. Simples.

Exactly what's wrong -it's not a rugby match - it should be individuals with minds of their own doing their best for the city and their area - not vote fodder toeing the party line. This is why so many independents are getting elected.

[quote][p][bold]On the inside[/bold] wrote:
You sign up for a team you play for the team. Simples.[/p][/quote]Exactly what's wrong -it's not a rugby match - it should be individuals with minds of their own doing their best for the city and their area - not vote fodder toeing the party line. This is why so many independents are getting elected.Woodgnome

On the inside wrote:
You sign up for a team you play for the team. Simples.

If that is the prevailing attitude within the Labour Party, party first, town second, it explains why the town has been going to the dogs. We need more people to speak out when things are not right.

[quote][p][bold]On the inside[/bold] wrote:
You sign up for a team you play for the team. Simples.[/p][/quote]If that is the prevailing attitude within the Labour Party, party first, town second, it explains why the town has been going to the dogs. We need more people to speak out when things are not right.Severn40

On the inside wrote: You sign up for a team you play for the team. Simples.

If that is the prevailing attitude within the Labour Party, party first, town second, it explains why the town has been going to the dogs. We need more people to speak out when things are not right.

And how the hell do you manage that with a crowd of individuals elected on a personal platform that has no coherent direction of travel and relies on a make it up as you go along approach to issues that present themselves. The individuals will inevitably be based in their own ward (as some are mistaken in believing is a requirement) and only be interested in issues that effect their immediate area and often themselves as individuals. Fine for a residents association but nine parts useless when it comes to running a city.

[quote][p][bold]Severn40[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]On the inside[/bold] wrote: You sign up for a team you play for the team. Simples.[/p][/quote]If that is the prevailing attitude within the Labour Party, party first, town second, it explains why the town has been going to the dogs. We need more people to speak out when things are not right.[/p][/quote]And how the hell do you manage that with a crowd of individuals elected on a personal platform that has no coherent direction of travel and relies on a make it up as you go along approach to issues that present themselves. The individuals will inevitably be based in their own ward (as some are mistaken in believing is a requirement) and only be interested in issues that effect their immediate area and often themselves as individuals. Fine for a residents association but nine parts useless when it comes to running a city.On the inside

On the inside wrote: You sign up for a team you play for the team. Simples.

If that is the prevailing attitude within the Labour Party, party first, town second, it explains why the town has been going to the dogs. We need more people to speak out when things are not right.

And how the hell do you manage that with a crowd of individuals elected on a personal platform that has no coherent direction of travel and relies on a make it up as you go along approach to issues that present themselves. The individuals will inevitably be based in their own ward (as some are mistaken in believing is a requirement) and only be interested in issues that effect their immediate area and often themselves as individuals. Fine for a residents association but nine parts useless when it comes to running a city.

No-one minds a bit of structure and coordination but being disciplined for not voting how you are told in a Council is bordering on medieval. Local Councils should stop trying to ape national government. I would suggest On the Inside drags himself into the 21st Century and move on from the class warrior Labour Party of 1910. It's failing in Newport and it's about time this was recognised..

[quote][p][bold]On the inside[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Severn40[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]On the inside[/bold] wrote: You sign up for a team you play for the team. Simples.[/p][/quote]If that is the prevailing attitude within the Labour Party, party first, town second, it explains why the town has been going to the dogs. We need more people to speak out when things are not right.[/p][/quote]And how the hell do you manage that with a crowd of individuals elected on a personal platform that has no coherent direction of travel and relies on a make it up as you go along approach to issues that present themselves. The individuals will inevitably be based in their own ward (as some are mistaken in believing is a requirement) and only be interested in issues that effect their immediate area and often themselves as individuals. Fine for a residents association but nine parts useless when it comes to running a city.[/p][/quote]No-one minds a bit of structure and coordination but being disciplined for not voting how you are told in a Council is bordering on medieval. Local Councils should stop trying to ape national government. I would suggest On the Inside drags himself into the 21st Century and move on from the class warrior Labour Party of 1910. It's failing in Newport and it's about time this was recognised..Woodgnome

On The Inside, Are you suggesting that when you join a team in this case "The Labour Party" you have to do what you are told? So what you are saying is, you run as a councillor for a ward you don't live in, not a very good idea and I agree this is not a requirement. Then when elected you work for a party that tells you what you have to vote for! I have met Mr Evans on two occasions and have found him to be corteous and above all concerned for the city he lives in. Under the Labour party he is then expected not to show he cares or disagrees with choices being made by the party he represents? I feel that people elected to lead Newport City Council are more concerned with the £40000-£50000 income they get as leaders rather than listen to a councillor who actually cares and has a plan "b" and may be a threat because he understands what the people of Newport are saying. Shame on you for not even having the savvy to understand free speech and democracy, we need to move away from listening what Bob or any other leader says and actually listen to the citizens first, Too many career councillors and not enough who care about the town, can't wait to see the state this town will be in when 2017 comes around and Labour candidates amongst others come knocking on my door asking for a vote to make a difference to my ward and my town. Votefornoneoftheabov
e in 2017 they do not deserve it!

On The Inside, Are you suggesting that when you join a team in this case "The Labour Party" you have to do what you are told? So what you are saying is, you run as a councillor for a ward you don't live in, not a very good idea and I agree this is not a requirement. Then when elected you work for a party that tells you what you have to vote for! I have met Mr Evans on two occasions and have found him to be corteous and above all concerned for the city he lives in. Under the Labour party he is then expected not to show he cares or disagrees with choices being made by the party he represents? I feel that people elected to lead Newport City Council are more concerned with the £40000-£50000 income they get as leaders rather than listen to a councillor who actually cares and has a plan "b" and may be a threat because he understands what the people of Newport are saying. Shame on you for not even having the savvy to understand free speech and democracy, we need to move away from listening what Bob or any other leader says and actually listen to the citizens first, Too many career councillors and not enough who care about the town, can't wait to see the state this town will be in when 2017 comes around and Labour candidates amongst others come knocking on my door asking for a vote to make a difference to my ward and my town. Votefornoneoftheabov
e in 2017 they do not deserve it!Votefornoneoftheabove